Christine "Christmas" Merry (DeLuna) Fladby

Christine M. Fladby, a woman of profound kindness, intelligence, and selflessness, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on Christmas Day in 1959 to Anna Marie and Luis DeLuna, Christine was a lifelong "gift" to those who knew her—a title she shared with her twin sister and best friend, Merry.

As a "military brat," Christine’s early years were defined by travel and adventure before her family settled in Papillion, Nebraska, in 1971. A determined and hardworking soul, she graduated from Papillion High School early and struck out on her own at 18 to pursue her calling in medicine. She earned her nursing degree from Clarkson Hospital in 1982, beginning a distinguished career defined by service.

Christine spent her early professional years as a Labor and Delivery nurse at Clarkson, welcoming new life into the world with her characteristic nurturing touch. She later transitioned to the Poison Control Center, where she served for decades as a vital resource, teacher, and mentor. Her colleagues knew her not just as a dedicated professional, but as a dear friend who was looking forward to a well-earned retirement in the fall of 2026.

In 1983, Christine married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Fladby. Though they met as teenagers, their adult reunion sparked a 43-year journey of inseparable devotion. Together, they built a life rooted in family, welcoming their daughter, Kate, in 1985, and their son, Sam, in 1987. Christine’s role as a mother was her greatest pride, eventually blossoming into her favorite title: Grandma.

A creative spirit, Christine found beauty in the world through photography, painting, knitting, and quilting. She was a collector of life’s small treasures—stamps, buttons, and doorknobs—and found peace working in her garden. She loved the simple joy of a road trip "adventure," a good horror or romance movie, and the tradition of Friday movie nights with Merry and the family. Every Christmas, her kitchen was filled with the scent of tamales and enchiladas, a legacy of love and flavor that her family will forever cherish.

Christine was a glowing light who lived by the Golden Rule, treating everyone with grace and respect. She taught her children and grandchildren that you can achieve greatness through hard work and a dedicated heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Anna Marie and Luis DeLuna; her parents-in-law, Robert and Brownie Fladby; and her nephew, Mitchell Fladby.

Her legacy lives on through her devoted husband, Bob; her children, Kate (Brandon) Borgmyer and Sam (Kristi Wright) Fladby; her beloved grandchildren, Lily and Bradley Borgmyer; her twin sister, Merry Scheef; her brothers, Michael and Daniel DeLuna; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the teams at Nebraska Medicine (UNMC) ICU, the Neuro Floor, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, and the Hospice House for their compassionate care during Christine’s final journey.

Christine was a true example of achieving greatness through love. She loved hard, stayed dedicated, and left the world brighter than she found it. She is now at peace, feeling the same light she shined on so many others.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 480 Main Street, Springfield, Nebraska 68059.